A HOUSING development headed up by Your Homes Newcastle (YHN) to support vulnerable young families in the city has opened its doors.
The Jubilee Court development, situated on a brownfield site at the junction of Jubilee Road and Kenton Lane in Fawdon, has been developed by Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) and designed by Newcastle-based architects Jane Darbyshire & David Kendall (JDDK).
The developers responded to YHN’s brief for a scheme which would offer a mix of apartments and houses for three and four-person groups of young families.
Although the housing units are independent, the development offers communal facilities of a crèche, common room and a training kitchen, together with offices for staff who offer discreet support for first- time mothers and fathers.
Architect Adam Vaughan said: “The concept is that young families can live here independently for up to two years in a supported environment with staff available to teach the skills they will require to enable them to bridge between living with their parents and becoming self sufficient.”
The £1.9m development includes 15 two-bedroom apartments and four two-bedroom houses built around a communal courtyard.
A key feature are the balconies overlooking the courtyard which provide both access to several of the apartments and areas where families can interact and integrate.
Other features include entrance halls to accommodate prams and pushchairs, photovoltaic panels and solar thermal panels.
John Lee, chief executive at YHN, said: “This is a unique development in the North East and we’re thrilled that young families are now beginning to move into the homes. “We’re looking forward to working with the tenants, through finance workshops and personal development programmes in the communal facility and helping them get to a stage where they can lead their lives happily without support.”
Mark Connor, operations manager at FHM North East, said: “We are very proud to have developed Jubilee Court on behalf of Your Homes Newcastle, providing excellent new homes for young families in the city.”